IBM A21e - Manuals

viii ThinkPad ® A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer Your ThinkPad at a glance . . . . . . . 2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Caring for your ThinkPad computer . . . . 6 © Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 1

Features Processor v Intel ® Celeron ™ processor Memory v Built-in: 64 MB v Maximum: 256 MB Storage device v 2.5-inch hard disk drive: 20 GB Display The color display uses TFT technology: v Size: 12.1, 13.3, or 14.1 inch, depending on the model v Resolution:– LCD: Up to 1024-by-768, depending on the...

External interface v Serial connector (EIA-RS232D) v Parallel connector (IEEE 1284A) v External-monitor connector v PC Card slot ( Type I, Type II, or Type III PC Card) v Headphone jack v Line-in jack v Microphone jack v Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector v RJ11 telephone connector (available if t...

Specifications Size v Width: 304.8 mm (12.0 in.) v Depth: 254.0 mm (10.0 in.) v Height: 35.6 mm (1.4 in.) Environment v Maximum altitude without pressurization: 3048 m (10,000 ft) v Temperature– At altitudes up to 2438 m (8000 ft) - Operating with no diskette: 5° to 35°C (41° to 95°F)- Operating wit...

Caring for your ThinkPad computer Though your computer is designed to function reliably in normal workenvironments, you need to use common sense in handling it. By followingthese important tips, you will get the most use and enjoyment out of yourcomputer. Important tips: Be careful about where and h...

v Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection.Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag. Handle storage media and drives properly v If your computer comes with a diskette drive, avoid inserting diskettes atan angle and attaching multiple or loose dis...

v Only an authorized IBM ThinkPad repair technician should disassembleand repair your computer. v Do not modify or tape the latches to keep the display open or closed. v Take care not to turn your computer over while the ac adapter is pluggedin. This could break the adapter plug. v Turn off your com...

Chapter 2. Solving computer problems Diagnosing problems . . . . . . . . . 10 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Error messages . . . . . . . . . . 11 Errors without messages . . . . . . . 14 Password problems . . . . . . . . 15 A power switch problem . . . . . . . 15 Keyboard problems . . . ....

Diagnosing problems If you have a problem with your computer, you can test it by usingPC-Doctor for Windows. To run PC-Doctor for Windows, do as follows: 1. Click Start. 2. Move the cursor to Programs and then to PC-Doctor for Windows. 3. Click PC-Doctor for Windows. 4. Choose either the Quick Test ...

Troubleshooting If you do not find your problem here, refer to access ThinkPad, your on-boardhelp system. Open Access ThinkPad by pressing the ThinkPad button. Thefollowing section only describes problems that might prevent you fromaccessing this help system. Error messages Note: 1. In the charts, x...

Message Cause and action UNSUPPPORTEDMEMORYCONFIGURATION:Maximum memory size256MB. Shut downcomputer and removeextra memory. The size of the installed memory module is over capacity for the system.ThinkPad A21e supports a memory size of equal or less than 256MB. Shutdown the system and remove the in...

Problem: Some or all keys on the keyboard do not work. Solution: If the problem occurred immediately after the computer returned from standby mode, enter the power-on password if one has been set. If an external keyboard is connected to the computer via a ThinkPad PortReplicator, the numeric keypad ...

Problem: The mouse or pointing device does not work. Solution: Make sure that the pointing-device cable is enabled in the ThinkPad Configuration Program. Make sure that the mouse or pointing-device cable is securely connected tothe computer via the ThinkPad Port Replicator. Try using the TrackPoint....

If these items are correct, have the computer serviced. Problem: The critical low-battery error message appears, and the computer immediately turns off. Solution: The battery power is getting low. Connect the ac adapter to the computer, or replace the battery pack with a fully charged one. Problem: ...

Computer screen problems Problem: The screen is blank. Solution: Press Fn+Home key to make the screen brighter. If the problem persists, do the “Solution” in the problem below. Problem: The screen is unreadable or distorted. Solution: Make sure that: v The display device driver is installed correctl...

Problem: Incorrect characters appear on the screen. Solution: Did you install the operating system or application program correctly? If they are installed and configured correctly, have the computerserviced. Problem: The screen stays on even after you turn off your computer. Solution: Press and hold...

Problem: Your computer shuts down before the battery status indicator shows empty, -or- Your computer operates after the battery status indicator showsempty. Solution: Discharge and recharge the battery. Problem: The operating time for a fully charged battery is short. Solution: Discharge and rechar...

Other problems Problem: The computer locks or does not accept input. Solution: Your computer may lock when it enters standby mode during a communication operation. Disable the standby timer when you are workingon the network. To turn off the computer, press and hold the power switch for 4 seconds or...

Starting BIOS Setup Utility Your computer provides a program, called IBM BIOS Setup Utility, thatenables you to select various setup parameters. The panels in this utility areas follows: v Config: Change the configuration of your computer. v Date/Time: Set the date and time. v Password: Set a passwo...

Recover pre-installed software If the data on your hard disk drive is damaged or accidentally erased, youcan restore the software that was shipped with your computer. This softwareincludes your pre-installed operating system, applications, and device drivers. To restore your pre-installed software, ...

To create a Recovery Repair diskette The Recovery Repair diskette is used to recover the prompt that is needed toaccess the Product Recovery program, if the prompt does not appear. Make aRecovery Repair diskette and save it for future use. To make a RecoveryRepair diskette: 1. Shut down and restart ...

Upgrading the hard disk drive You can increase the storage capacity of your computer by replacing the harddisk drive with one of greater capacity. You can purchase a new hard diskdrive from your IBM reseller or IBM marketing representative. Note: Replace the hard disk drive only if you upgrade it or...

Replacing the battery To replace the battery, do as follows: 1. Turn off the computer, or enter hibernation mode. Then disconnect the ac adapter and all cables from the computer. Note: If you are using a PC Card, the computer may not be able to enterhibernation mode. If this happens, turn off the co...

Chapter 3. Getting help and service from IBM Getting help and service . . . . . . . . 34 Getting help on the Web . . . . . . . . 34 Getting help by fax . . . . . . . . . 35 Calling IBM . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 © Copyright IBM Corp. 2000 33

Getting help and service If you need help, service, technical assistance, or just want more informationabout IBM products, you will find a wide variety of sources available fromIBM to assist you. This section contains information about where to go foradditional information about IBM and IBM products...

If possible, be near your computer when you make your call in case thetechnical assistance representative needs to help you resolve a computerproblem. Please ensure that you have downloaded the most current driversand system updates, run diagnostics, and recorded information before youcall. When cal...

Appendix A. Important safety instructions DANGER Electric current from power, telephone, and communication cables is hazardous. Toavoid shock hazard, connect and disconnect cables as shown below wheninstalling, moving, or opening the covers of this product or attached devices. The3-pin power cord mu...

DANGER Reduce the risk of fire and electric shock by always following basic safetyprecautions, including the following: v Do not use your computer in or near water. v During electrical storms: – Do not use your computer with the telephone cable connection. – Do not connect the cable to or disconnect...

DANGER Follow the instruction below when installing or reconfiguring the Mini PCI option. To avoid shock hazard, disconnect all the cables and the ac adapter when youinstall the Mini PCI option or open the covers of the system or attached devices.Electrical current from power, telephone, and communi...

Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electricalstorm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. Laser compliance statement...

DANGER Emits visible and invisible laser radiation when open. Avoid direct eye exposure.Do not stare into the beam or view it directly with optical instruments. Save these instructions. Appendix A. Important safety instructions 43

Appendix B. Product warranties and notices Warranty Statements The warranty statements consist of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 variesby country. Part 2 is the same for both statements. Be sure to read both thePart 1 that applies to your country and Part 2. v United States, Puerto Rico and Ca...

During the warranty period IBM or your reseller, if approved by IBM toprovide warranty service, will provide repair and exchange service for theMachine, without charge, under the type of service designated for theMachine and will manage and install engineering changes that apply to theMachine. If a ...

Neither IBM nor your reseller is responsible for any of your confidential,proprietary or personal information contained in a Machine which you returnto IBM or your reseller for any reason. You should remove all suchinformation from the Machine prior to its return. Production Status Each IBM Machine ...

a. follow the problem determination, problem analysis, and servicerequest procedures that IBM or your reseller provides, b. secure all programs, data, and funds contained in a Machine, c. provide IBM or your reseller with sufficient, free, and safe access toyour facilities to permit them to fulfill ...

Guarantees Act 1993 will not apply in respect of any goods which IBMprovides, if you require the goods for the purposes of a business as defined inthat Act. Limitation of Liability: The following is added to this Section: Where Machines are not acquired for the purposes of a business as defined in t...

Notices This publication was developed for products and services offered in theU.S.A. IBM may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in thisdocument in other countries. Consult your local IBM representative forinformation on the products and services currently available in your area...

Web sites. The materials at those Web sites are not part of the materials forthis IBM product, and use of those Web sites is at your own risk. Electronic emission notices Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement ThinkPad A21e, machine type 2655 This equipment has been tested and found to co...

Industry Canada Class B Emission Compliance Statement This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Avis de conformité à la réglementation d’Industrie Canada Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conform à la norme NMB-003 duCanada. European Community Directive Conformance Stat...

3. The REN is useful to determine the quantity of devices you may connectto your telephone line and still have those devices ring when your numberis called. In most, but not all, areas, the sum of the RENs of all devicesshould not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices youmay conn...

Industry Canada requirements Notice The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certificationmeans that the equipment meets certain telecommunications networksprotective, operational, and safety requirements. The Department does notguarantee the equipment will operate to the user’...

Avant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer qu’il est permis de leraccorder aux installations de l’entreprise locale de télécommunication. Lematériel doit également être installé en suivant une méthode acceptée deraccordement. Dans certains cas, les fils intérieurs de l’entreprise ut...

Notice for European Union countries Hereby Ambit declares that this ″ J07M041.00 ″ modem is in conformity with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive1999/5/EC. 64 ThinkPad ® A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide

Trademarks The following terms are trademarks of the IBM Corporation in the UnitedStates or other countries or both: IBM ThinkPad HelpCenter TrackPoint PS/2 Ultrabay Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of MicrosoftCorporation in the United States and/or other countries. Intel and Celer...

Index A Access ThinkPad iii B battery problems 22 BIOS Setup 25 C carrying the computer 6cleaning the computer 8computer display problems 21configuration setup 25 E electronic help iiierror messages 11errors without messages 14 F fax, help by 35 H hard disk problems 23upgrading 29 hibernation proble...